Plan A Loft Conversion - The Survey, The Roof And Other Things To Think About

Before you can plan your project you first need to make sure that
your roof space is suitable for converting into a new loft room. To do
this the first ting you must do is carry out a loft survey.

Basically this means checking that the existing headroom in the roof
space and checking to see if extensive structural alterations are going
to be necessary.

Most lofts within UK properties can be converted; though some
are much easier to convert than are others. If your property was build
prior to 1960 or has a steeply pitched roof than there is nothing to
worry about and you should be able to convert a loft quiet easily.

But, if your home was typically built between 1962 and 1972 (ish)
than you may have problems because the roof is likely to have a very
shallow pitch. The problem with a property having a very shallow
pitched roof is that, to plan a loft conversion successfully, that roof
will have to be raised.

Structurally, this isn’t such a big deal but the problem with
raising the property above the existing roofline means that planning
permission must be sought from the local authority. This can of course
lead to all sorts of disputes, delays and expense.

Another thing to consider with such a property is that even if
planning permission is granted and the roof can be easily raised the
loss of first floor space for the new staircase may mean that no extra
living space will be actually achieved with a loft conversion. Which
would make the whole thing a waste of time.

Do A Loft Survey

The key question here is ‘how much headroom is available?’

Without being too obvious; if you can’t stand upright in the roof
space than it is highly unlikely that you will be able to plan a loft
conversion without considerable expense being allocated to the project.
Basically it may well be economically unviable.

If however you can stand upright, and even better raise an arm
above your head, than you’re in business. Really you should be looking
for a minimum amount of headroom of 2.2 to 2.3 meters. Don’t worry if
this headroom is only available in the centre of the roof space; by
installing even a small dormer this space is massively multiplied.

Other Things To Look For In Your Loft Survey

While you are checking out the headroom in the roof space don’t
forget to have a look at the general state of repair of the roof and the
walls. If any work needs doing, for example re-pointing, than it may
as well be done at the same time as you convert a loft.

Aside from the headroom issue the other main thing you are looking at is the type of roof you have.

A Rafter And Purlin Style Roof

A purlin and rafter roof is usually considered perfect for loft
conversions and headroom shouldn’t be an issue if the house has this
kind of roof so it isn’t essential to include a dormer in your planned
loft conversion.

Of course, you may wish to include a dormer in your design anyway
– by doing so you will create even more room and broaden the scope of
your loft conversion.

A Trussed Rafter Style Roof

A trussed roof may require some structural alterations such as the
roof height been extended. If your roof is of the this type than it
complicates matters a little when you come to plan a loft conversion but
it is not an insurmountable obstacle.

More Things To Consider

When planning a loft conversion there are a few essential factors
to think about before committing the project to paper ranging from
permitted development issues, design and even your neighbours.

The Neighbours

It may seem a bit early to worry about Mrs Next Door, and you may
not have the inclination to worry about her anyway, but, it’s always
best to get the neighbours onside straight away.

Although the actual building of loft conversions shouldn’t
inconvenience the neighbours too much there will still be unavoidable
noise and possibly traffic disruption.

No one likes to hear a gang of builders hammering, joking and
chatting first thing in the morning so keeping the neighbours sweet in
the early stages will store up some goodwill for the future.

Another reason to keep the neighbours informed and up-to-date
with developments is that you may well need their co-operation when the
building work begins if a party wall is involved or if you have to make a
full loft conversion planning permission application.

Permitted Development

With the change in the permitted development laws it is important
when planning a loft conversion to remember that most loft conversions
involving a cable end will now be allowed though the volume cap still
exists.

The volume cap means that loft conversions are only allowed to
add up to 50 cubic metres to the roof space of a detached or
semi-detached house, with only 40 cubic metres allowed to be added to
terraced properties.

Another point to consider is that the permitted development of
dormer designs has changed in that they will not be permitted on any
roof that fronts on to a highway and that they should be set back from
the eaves by a minimum of 20 cm.

What hasn’t changed is that any loft conversion, or dormer
extension, must not be higher than the existing roof ridge of the
property.

Design

The best part of planning a loft conversion is coming up with the final loft design or concept for your new room.

The most popular loft conversion in the UK is adding an en-suite
bathroom but we discuss all the possibilities in the design section of
the site. However, one vital aspect that you must take into account no
matter what the final room will be, is that the location of the loft
stairs must be absolutely right.

It must be remembered that even though you are creating more
living space in the loft you will lose a significant amount of space on
the first floor when you install the loft stairs.

If there are space restrictions on the existing landing than one
of the bedrooms will probably have to be sacrificed in order to fit in
the new flight of stairs to the loft.

Of all the aspects of planning a loft conversion the location of
the staircase is the single most important factor to consider and to get
right.

Planning Issues

When considering the planning of your loft conversion there are
some often over-looked things to consider before finalising your
project.

Apart from the building regulations another factor to consider
before undertaking a loft conversion is the small print on your mortgage
agreement.

If your property is mortgaged than, when planning your project,
it may be necessary to inform your lender. In the vast majority of cases
there won’t be an issue but, because the bank or building society have a
financial interest in the property, they may need to give their formal
consent for the work.

As well as pouring through the small print on your mortgage
agreement you will also need to consult your building and /or contents
insurance policy when planning your conversion.

Most policies make it mandatory for the householder to notify the
insurance company of any major building work to be carried out on the
property.

Informing the insurance company of your intentions will negate
any potential problems with potential claims at a later date. And, in
the case of building insurance, the policy will need to be amended once
the project is completed to take into account the extra space created by
the loft conversion.

Local authority covenants need to be considered – especially if
your house was purchased from the local council under the right-to-buy
rules.

Restrictive covenants are conditions which govern how the land /
property can be developed and sometimes preclude loft conversions.

Such a covenant is unlikely in most cases but if your property is
a former council house it is worthwhile checking the Land Registry to
make sure no such restrictions apply to your home.

One other thing to consider, unlikely as it may seem, are Bats!

Be warned.

If your roof space is home to a Bat colony then, by law, it is
illegal to disturb them. Hopefully though, unless you live in an Adams
Family style mansion, you won’t have to worry about Bats. If, however,
you feel the need to research the issue have a look at the Wildlife and
Countryside Act (1981).

It is unlikely that any of the above considerations will need to
be taken into account when thinking about your loft conversion but you
should certainly inform your mortgage lender and insurance company of
your intentions.